The Plastic Mind by Sharon Begley

Experiments in neuroplasticity reveal that the brain is capable not only of altering its structure but also of generating new neurons, even into old age! This book documents how this fundamental paradigm shift is transforming both our understanding of the human mind and our approach to deep-seated emotional, cognitive, and behavioural problems.

For decades, the conventional wisdom of neuroscience held that the hardware of the brain is fixed – that we are stuck with what we were born with. But recent pioneering experiments in neuroplasticity reveal that the brain is capable not only of altering its structure but also of generating new neurons!

The brain can adapt, heal, renew itself after trauma and compensate for disability. In this groundbreaking book, highly respected science writer Sharon Begley documents how the mind is literally able, with the right interventions, to re-mould itself – to generate a fresh start. These breakthroughs show that it is possible to reset our happiness meter, regain the use of limbs disabled by stroke, train the mind to break cycles of depression and OCD and even reverse age-related changes in the brain.

Sharon Begley, science columnist for The Wall Street Journal, inaugurated the paper’s “Science Journal” in 2002. She was previously the senior science writer at Newsweek, covering: neuroscience, genetics, physics, astronomy, and anthropology. Sharon Begley is also the co-author of ‘Train Your Mind… Change Your Brain’, she has won many awards for her articles and remains busy promoting our innate abilities to shape and influence our biological destinies. it is time for us all to stop being victims of circumstance and claim our ability and power to transform our lives. Whatever challenges we are facing we have an incredible resource… our mind, that is in control of the greatest pharmacy in the world… our brain. The combination of these two forces can create wonders, why not explore and see for yourself….